UGC may set up panel on national security research

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is considering the issue of establishing a ‘National Level Council of National Security Research & Studies’.

A committee has been formed to consider whether the proposed council should be within the UGC or outside it and other such modalities. The committee will have representation from the ministries of human resource development (HRD) and defence.

A senior UGC official, who did not wish to be named, said that the issue was considered in a meeting held in February and the commission noted that “there is a genuine and urgent need to take up the issue of ‘Establishment of National Level Council of National Security Research & Studies’ in national interest”.

“To consider the various issues like whether the proposed council be within the set-up of UGC or outside it, etc., it was resolved that a committee consisting of following should consider the various aspects involved and suggest the way forward,” read the minutes of the meeting.

Officials further said four central universities, including Allahabad University and Gujarat University, had approached the commission requesting it to upgrade their existing departments on defence studies or national security studies into a department of national security studies.

“The commission examined the proposal and has approved it. It is now the HRD ministry that has to finally give their approval,” said a senior UGC official.

Once the ministry gives a nod to the upgradation, they will be able to get financial support allowing them to carry out research and studies at post-graduate and doctoral levels in the field of safety and security.

“The departments will be allowed to carry out researches on a range of issues related to national security and will be provided funds for it too,” said another official.